Prospect Spotlight: Brycen Long (2020)
Gilbert will be one of the top teams in the 5A classification this upcoming season. Most people have heard of Doc Self, who is a shifty guard that headlines their packline defense. However, the team has plenty of depth and talent.
One of those prospects is Brycen Long, a 6’2 SG who plays with Powerhouse Ortega. Long played extremely well with the group this off-season and is hoping that strong play translates into a strong high school season. Further, he hopes this leads to more exposure.
Brycen Long Recruiting
Long referred to himself as a “little unknown”. This assessment might be right considering his strong play this past off-season. However, despite being somewhat unknown, according to Long, he does possesses an offer from Houston Baptist.
Further, as far as interest is concerned, Long claimed that he has received interest from Point Loma and Cal State San Marcos.
While his options are somewhat limited at this point, his 4.0 GPA will aid him in keeping doors open. His goal is to play somewhere close so that his parents can attend games. Unlike many prospects who are talented, he will not have to worry about not being able to get into most schools.
While he is a top tier student, he is not sure what he wants to major in. At this point, all that he knows is that he wants to do something related to basketball once he is done with college.
As far as what he is looking for in a school, he noted that he is looking for a place where he can “contribute right away” and that really wants him.
Brycen Long Projection
Long is a hard prospect to project as he has an NCAA Division-I offer from Houston Baptist, but has largely received little interest from anyone other than NCAA Division-II schools. There is plenty of time for him to solidify that he is capable of playing at the NCAA Division-I level. However, he is most likely a best fit at a NAIA or NCAA Division-II in terms of being ready to play and contribute immediately.
Long believes that he brings a program a winner who understands what it takes to aid a team in an array of ways. He is a skilled scorer who can score it from multiple spots on the floor. Further, he is a solid on ball defender.
With that said, he acknowledged that he needs to get stronger in order to play at the next level. He is skilled, but could struggle with the physicality of the game at high collegiate levels. The more muscle mass that he can put on; the better.